Knoxville 2026: Baits and Tackle Shaping Bass Fishing
Knoxville show reveals baits and tackle to watch in 2026
At the East Tennessee Fishing Show in Knoxville this winter, manufacturers and pro anglers previewed a wave of baits, heads and rigging ideas aimed at pressured, clear-water and cold‑water bass. The event gathered boutique builders and established brands demonstrating gear meant to reduce flash, improve presentation and extend range for early‑season fishing.
What stood out
Exhibitors highlighted non‑reflective “ghost” tungsten heads designed to disappear below the surface, purpose‑built cold‑water minnow hardbaits for slow retrieves, and tungsten nail weights with a center channel to allow unique rigging options. Finesse football jigs, compact jerkbaits, bladed main‑and‑side assemblies and new buzzbait/spinnerbait profiles were featured for both smallmouth and largemouth applications.
Technical and accessory advances
Beyond lures, several stalls showed mechanical upgrades: reels pre‑loaded with high‑quality bearings, proprietary plastics that accept internal weights or rattles, and an X12 casting braid claiming 15–20% extra distance via high‑stitch processing. These items target anglers using LiveScope, kayaks and boats on deep reservoirs and pressured lakes.
Who showed up and why it matters
Brands on site included Dominator, Blue Rock Tackle, Queens Tackle, CAST, Pulse Fish, Brazalo, Bulldog Bait Co., JBro’s and others. The common theme was subtlety: finishes, profiles and rigging that make baits less detectable to pressured bass. Many of the products are regionally released first, so shows remain a primary channel to test new ideas before wide retail rollout.
Practical takeaways
Expect to see more use of ghost heads, neutral‑suspending minnow baits, finesse footballs and low‑diameter high‑cast braid through early 2026. Anglers fishing clear or pressured waters should prioritize low‑flash finishes and versatile weight options to adapt retrieves and presentations quickly on the water.